1. Fantastic Foam
Suds-lovers, unite! On January 23, Jack Tar Bar & Grill (in the Cathedral Hill Hotel) will be hosting a beer dinner with the brewmaster from North Coast Brewing Co..The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and golden ale and concludes with imperial stout and molten chocolate cake, with a main course of duck confit rounding out the meal. The dinner is $70 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity; to book, visit beer-chef.com.

2. Java Junkies
Ever wonder what this “cupping” business is that all the coffee freaks in town are talking about? Illuminate yourself on January 24 at 2 p.m. at Piccino in Dogpatch. James Freeman, the owner of the venerated Blue Bottle Coffee Company, will demonstrate how he creates coffee blends—you’ll get the chance to slurp your way through cups of the single-origin coffee that makes up Piccino’s espresso blend. For more information, visit piccinocafe.com.

3. For the Love of Formaggi
Head to any of the thirteen A.G. Ferrari locations on January 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. and you'll be treated to a complimentary tasting of fresh Italian cheeses—think burrata, mozzarella and the like. Sample a few whilst daydreaming about the return of fresh tomatoes.

4. Brioza's Brio
When Rubicon closed, food lovers throughout SF wondered what would become of the dynamic duo of chef Stuart Brioza and his wife, pastry chef Nicole Krasinsky. You can catch up with Brioza on January 25 at Piccino, where he'll be fixing a special meal "celebrating the light of winter." The dinner will feature lots of citrus, hearty greens, roasted meats and shellfish. To make a reservation, call Wayne at 415-350-5157.

5. God Bless Americano
The new 2009 dilemma: Wanting to dine out, not wanting to go broke. A happy compromise exists at Americano, where on Monday nights throughout the month of January (including Monday, January 26) you can dine on a chef-selected appetizer and entrée—along with a half-carafe of wine—for the unbeatable price of $20 of person.

6. Oz Fest
Hey there, mate. January 26 is Australia day! Celebrate with a tasting of wines from Down Under at Cellar 360. The free degustation runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ghirardelli Square shop. Or, head to MO Bar in the Mandarin Oriental hotel where, from 6 to 8 p.m., Australian-born wine director Nicole Kosta will be pouring wines from Oz, accompanied by Vegemite sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls and lamingtons. The cost is $28 plus tax and gratuity; to make a reservation email nkosta@mohg.com or call 415-276-9787.

7. No Teasing
Beloved Samovar Tea Lounge just opened a another location in Hayes Valley, at 297 Page Street. This is the third Samovar in the city (the other two are in the Castro and in the Yerba Buena Gardens) and is a collaboration with the nearby SF Zen Center. The rains are bound to return and when they do, this warm space invites lingering, plus some fifty-plus teas.